As parents, you naturally want to share your experiences with your children, hoping to prepare and guide them through life’s challenges. However, when it comes to academics, particularly mathematics, there’s a certain confession that might do more harm than good: admitting to our children that we were bad at maths or that we hated it. This revelation, although honest, can inadvertently set our kids up for struggle and fear, especially in subjects like algebra, which already carry a daunting reputation.
The Power of Perception:
When a child hears a parent – their primary role model – confess to being bad at maths, it subtly plants a seed of doubt in their own minds. Kids often think, “If my parents couldn’t do it, how can I?” Parents, in the eyes of their children, are capable of almost everything; they navigate and simplify the complexities of life. So, hearing that even they ‘couldn’t do maths’ is disheartening.
The Algebra Anxiety:
Take algebra, for instance. Most students have heard the word ‘algebra’ before seeing it in school. And most of the time, they’re already scared of it. They’ve heard from older students, older siblings, or parents that it’s ‘too hard’. Take my year 7s: The time had come for us to take the leap into algebra. I wrote the word ‘algebra’ on the whiteboard as the title for the lesson, and a symphony of groans and voices sprung up: ‘I hate algebra’, ‘I can’t do that – it’s too hard!’. These comments coming from students who had never seen algebra for themselves before. This fear can be so ingrained that students feel defeated even before they start.
After 1 lesson, those groans turn to ‘Oh, that’s it?’, ‘This is easy’ and ‘Why did I think l this was hard?!’. Now granted: algebra, and maths in general, can get challenging, but with the right support, and an explanation that works for their particular brain, anyone is capable of it.
Sidenote: I have decided in the future to not tell classes that it is algebra when we start it, they’ll figure it out eventually!
Changing the Narrative:
So, what can you do as parents? First, we need to change the narrative. Instead of focusing on our struggles, we should emphasize the beauty and logic of maths. Even if you found it difficult, it’s crucial to encourage a growth mindset – the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Try adding the word ‘yet’ to sentences: ‘I can’t do it… yet’.
Encouragement Over Experience:
Encouragement plays a pivotal role. Rather than saying, “I was bad at maths,” try, “Maths can be challenging, but I believe in you – you got this!” This shift in dialogue changes the focus from inherited inability to personal growth and effort.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while honesty is essential in parenting, how we frame our experiences can significantly impact our children’s attitudes towards learning. By fostering a positive, growth-oriented mindset towards maths, we can help our children approach the subject with curiosity and confidence, rather than fear and resignation. Let’s help them see that with the right attitude and support, they can be successful in maths and beyond.
